Presqu'ile de Giens

Presqu'ille de Giens.    This is at the foot of the peninsula that sticks out from the town of Hyeres.  Giens was once an island but a few thousand years ago it became attached to the mainland via a narrow strip of land, three quarters of which consists of salt lakes and marshland.

A small part of Giens was a nature reserve, and it was here that we decided to walk today.   There was also a walking path around the end of the peninsula, but we thought that this would be a little too adventurous without proper footwear.

We set out from the end of the public road, just past la Madrague, a very small port and village.   There is a camping ground there with a very nice cafe, which we had our eye on for lunch.   A reward for our walk, which turned out to be unexpectedly demanding at first.

We followed the coastal path, which has brilliant views of the bay.   It was also very windy, which we remembered from walks years ago.

Walter looking very relaxed at the beginning of the walk.

We were not expecting this part of the path to be so treacherous, in fact we cannot remember it being like this, but I guess the thousands of people walking on it, plus storms, will have changed the path somewhat.

Unbelievable erosion.

Luckily this tree was there for us to hold onto.

There were signs to say keep away from the cliff edges, but it was almost impossible to not walk close to the edge.   A bit scary!   The people in the photograph below were better prepared, for sure.

Amazingly we managed reasonably well, and gave each other plenty of encouragement.   Walter's new knee was wonderful as Walter had plenty of strength in his right leg, and he felt stable, which gave him  confidence.

Anyway we only walked a short way really, and managed to get to the old military lookout.  Wonderful views.

I have been meaning to show a photograph of my new handbag, a shoulder bag, which is much better for travelling then my expensive handbag.    The latter being fantastic for shopping, or putting on desks when attending meetings.    A very intimidating handbag!   But not for travelling.   How I have managed to not get it stolen, amazes me. 

Anyway I thought today was a lovely opportunity to photograph my new bag, against the graffiti on the lookout.   The bag cost 20 Euros at a supermarket here and is made of plastic.   It is bright, and it is roomy, and has lots of zips.   I love this bag.

After filling in time, by taking a photograph of my new handbag, Walter arrived at the look out and took a photograph of me.   He had been taking photographs, rather then struggling with the terrain, if you are wondering why he was some distance behind me.

After this we decided we had had enough of trecherous coastal paths, and battling the wind, so we headed inland and walked back to the beginning via a road.   It meandered around through pine trees and was altogether very gentle and downhill too. 

We both ordered Salade Chevre Chaud (baked goats cheese with salad) at the cafe.   The salad had smoked slices of duck meat as well.   And presented on a very thin pancake.    The local presentation.   It was delicious.

We then bought two cream cakes at the supermarket as an extra reward.